PRINT BUYER'S GUIDE
Details are everything in the printing process. Sometimes the simplest item can make or brake the entire job. For example, if you don't check the right box on the FedEx order form your job will show up on Monday rather than Saturday morning like you thought it would. Organize all of the specifics of your project on one simple sheet for your print vendor. If you don't have a "spec sheet" let us provide you with a Global Imprints check list to make the job easier: - Client Information: Company name, job name, date and job description.
- Size: flat size versus finished size.
- Design Features: Describe the art and what you are out to accomplish. Is it full bleed, all line art, are there reverses, solids, crossovers, butt fits or traps or special-built tint colors? What fonts are included on the disk that will be needed to run the job?
- Scans: Will you need to see separate loose color versions of the digital conversion of your image from continuous tone to scanned images?
- Quantity: will you need samples as an extra item?
- Item: Is this a 24 page self cover? Keep in mind the difference between a sheet and a page - sheets have a front and back and each are considered 2 pages.
- Stock: Name brand, color, finish, weight: is it cover, text, Bristol, bond, etc?
- Proofs: Will the first round be a digital proof like an Epson rather than a Matchprint to save time and money? Will you see loose color before you go to the expense of a final proof? Do you need folded dummies, bluelines or colorkeys? Is a press check required?
- Colors: 4 color process versus Pantone numbers. Will your piece need a varnish or in-line coating? Would a spot varnish make a difference on the front, back or overall?
- Bindery: Die cut, trim, score/perforate (lithoperf/score or letterpress perf) collate, number, drill (number of holes and hole diameters) stitch, shrink wrap.
- Packaging: Bulk package, carton weight, padding, pallet, labeling requirements.
- Due Date: When would you prefer it and when must it be there for sure?
- Delivery Instructions: Address, phone number, who should be called to verify shipment and be given tracking number?
- Return of Originals: Specify the number of disks, original transparencies/photos to be returned.
- Film Custodianship/Ownership: Specify who owns the film, where and how you would like it stored. Is this film and proof to be disposed of without your written consent?
- Quoted Price: Are there special term like a deposit which has been negotiated? Will the mailing costs be required upon delivery to the post office? What is the turnaround commitment?
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